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“I saw you…,” she cleared her throat. “Stacy and I noticed you when we returned from the ladies’ room.”
He stopped all movement and stared down at her. She cringed. She knew how she sounded…jealous.
“Nala was thanking me.”
“And I bet I know what for.”
Emma could have bitten her tongue as soon as she uttered the catty words. She couldn’t help her response. Any time she thought of Maddox with another woman, her claws came out.
“Emma, we’ve got to talk about—”
“Maddox, you don’t owe me any explanation. You’re a good-looking guy, and,” her head dipped, “women love you.”
“Emma, I don’t want indiscriminate women. I want…”
“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for a few words from your estimable employer. Give it up for the guy who all of you say deserves the best boss award every year.”The MC chuckled. “Looks like everyone is angling for a big Christmas bonus.”
A peal of laughter went through the crowd.
Once again, Emma could feel every eye on them, but this time, they were aimed solely at Maddox, waiting expectantly for him to take the stage. He looked anything but pleased by the public admiration.
“Will this damn party never end?”
Emma pulled back, feeling chilled at the loss of his warmth. She attempted a smile. “It’s ending for me. I’m going to call it a night.”
His face tightened. “No, you can’t leave yet.” His hand took hers.
“Maddox Walker,”the MC tapped the microphone, “your fans are waiting.”
Emma liked the feel of Maddox’s hand wrapped around hers. She didn’t like him letting it go as he placed her between Stacy and Scott.
“Stay here,” he ordered. He directed a quick look at the other couple. “Don’t let her leave. If she does, you’re both fired.”
And she definitely didn’t like being ordered to stay like a golden retriever.
***
Thirty minutes later, Emma’s short bout of anger had turned to misery. After his speech, Maddox had been roped into a conversation with several mid-level executives who hoped to start the new year as senior executives. She didn’t envy Maddox that part of the job. On the other hand, it had to be boring as hell.
She took a sip from her second—no, third, glass of champagne. She should slow down, but the light buzzy feeling in her head was helping her fight the melancholy threatening her holiday spirit. “I’m going, Stacy. I can’t take this anymore. I’ve made a complete fool of myself, and I just want this night to end.”
“No, Emma, please don’t. Give him a little more time.”
“All the time in the world isn’t going to make a difference, Stace. I tried something, and it didn’t work. It’s time to call it a day and put this whole idiotic notion of Maddox and me being more than friends behind me.”
Stacie snorted. “Like you can do that. Come on, Emma, take a good look at the poor guy. Can’t you see he’s just as miserable as you are? Give him a chance.”
Emma glanced to where Maddox stood, surrounded by several men and women, all hoping to make an impression on the boss. Like her, they all wanted something from him. The difference was she wanted his heart. She wanted him.
All of him.
Focusing on his face, she drew a sharp breath. His smile was strained. His hand clenched the glass he held like a lifeline.
He’d never liked crowds. He was drowning and trying hard not to go under.
Instinctively, Emma moved toward him. She was his lifeline.
With a smile, she interrupted the group smoothly. “Excuse me, everyone, but I’ve been promised a dance, and I’m here to collect.”
